• Unit 8: Beyond the Classroom

    Unit 8 is an exploration of ways to deepen your learning independent of a physical environment like a classroom. For example, do you communicate effectively with your instructors? How wholeheartedly do you approach the learning process? Do you maintain academic honesty in all your college pursuits? And how well do you embrace mistakes as opportunities to learn more? Unit 8 presents multiple concepts, strategies and techniques in these areas to help you gain new skills and attitudes for college success.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 4 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • evaluate effective communication strategies with instructors;
      • identify differences between passing a test and gaining knowledge (cramming versus learning);
      • explain how peer groups can aid in class preparation;
      • describe academic honesty and dishonesty, and strategies for avoiding plagiarism; and
      • identify strategies for taking tests and for learning through the test-taking experience.

    • 8.1: Why It Matters: Beyond the Classroom

      • Why It Matters: Beyond the Classroom Page

        Much learning in college takes place outside of a typical classroom setting. For example, students are generally advised to spend two or three hours outside of class to study and apply the content they learned in class.

        Learn about ways you can enhance your learning by talking to your professors, learning deeply, upholding honesty, and learning from mistakes.

    • 8.2: Working with Instructors

      • Working with Instructors Page

        Solid student-faculty relationships can provide a foundation for a successful college experience. How do you relate to your instructors? Learn ways in which you can most successfully communicate with your instructors, resolve conflicts, and potentially cultivate rich and rewarding relationships.

    • 8.3: Deep Learning

      • Deep Learning Page

        Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Learning never exhausts the mind.” Even if a student weary of studying might disagree, the quote still speaks to the inherent ability within each of us to learn more and more, and to learn deeply. What does deep learning entail? Is it the same as cramming?

        Examine techniques for learning in multiple settings and for multiple purposes.

    • 8.4: Academic Honesty

      • Academic Honesty Page

        Academic honesty is a cardinal principle in any learning pursuit. How do you demonstrate and uphold the highest integrity and honesty in your academic work? Do you engage in any form of academic dishonesty?

        Learn the basic precepts of academic honesty and how to avoid plagiarism.

    • 8.5: Evaluating Results

      • Evaluating Results Page

        Winston Churchill, the British statesman and army officer, once said, “However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results.” In terms of college success, Churchill’s sage advice ever stands. You can learn deeply from mistakes, even mistakes on exams. Learn what to do in the event of failure and how to proceed with your studies.

    • 8.6: Putting It Together: Beyond the Classroom

      • Putting It Together: Beyond the Classroom Page

        There are many different resources you can use to deepen your learning: peer communities, previous assignments, tests, and perhaps most importantly, instructors. Your instructors want you to succeed. They can be great allies in your learning experience.